Reef Needlefish

Description: Characterized by greyish green color on back and silvery below; 100-125 predorsal scales; elongate body, slightly compressed and almost rectangular in cross section; extremely elongate jaws studded with sharp teeth; lower jaw slightly longer than upper; prominent ridges on upper surface of body; absence of gill rakers; caudal peduncle without lateral keels; slightly emarginate caudal fin (Ref. 90102).

Caligus Infestation 1. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Bomolochus Infestation. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Lernanthropus Infestation 1. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Oviparous (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18 - 20; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 21 - 23

Occurs over both lagoon and seaward reefs. Oviparous (Ref. 205). Eggs may be found attached to objects in the water by tendrils on the egg's surface (Ref. 205).

fisheries: subsistence fisheries